Dynamic Sheet Reception Tray for Printer Paper Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently discharging and retrieving sheets of varying sizes, particularly short sheets which can be crumpled or difficult to pick up due to lack of protrusion, and risk sheet jamming when the tray is retracted with the sheet still on it.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a medium reception tray that can move between a protruded position for easy discharge and a retracted position, controlled by a drive unit and regulation unit to prevent sheet jamming, and a control unit that adjusts the tray position based on sheet size to ensure easy retrieval and prevent sheet loss or jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tray is retracted to minimize space occupation, then space efficiency is improved, but sheet retrieval becomes difficult and sheets may be drawn into the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be movable between retracted and protruded positions rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the tray position based on sheet discharge status, allowing the system to optimize between space efficiency and sheet retrieval ease at different operational stages
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit determines sheet discharge completion in advance and proactively moves the tray to the protruded position before the user needs to retrieve the sheet, ensuring the sheet leading edge is accessible and preventing sheet jamming
2Ease of operation
If the tray is held in protruded position for easy sheet retrieval, then sheet handling is improved, but space is wasted when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray transitions from a static design to a dynamic one, automatically adjusting its position based on operational needs. The control unit monitors discharge status and moves the tray between positions, eliminating the need to maintain protruded position continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the tray based on discharge conditions. When discharge is complete, the tray position parameter changes from retracted to protruded, optimizing sheet accessibility without permanent space occupation
3Volume of moving object
If the tray is moved while sheet is on it, then space efficiency is improved, but sheet jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback about sheet discharge completion status and uses this information to determine whether to move the tray. This feedback mechanism ensures the tray is only moved after the sheet has been fully discharged, preventing sheet jamming
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit determines discharge completion in advance and proactively moves the tray before the user attempts to retrieve the sheet, ensuring the sheet is properly positioned and reducing jamming risk
Data Source
AI summary
A discharged sheet reception tray is displaced between a most protruded position which protrudes most and an accommodation position which is accommodated inside an apparatus. Since a control unit switches the positions of the discharged sheet reception tray depending on a length of a sheet to be discharged, taking the sheet from the discharged sheet reception tray is easily improved. Specifically, since a drive unit driving the discharged sheet reception tray is controlled so that a leading edge of the discharged sheet protrudes by a predetermined amount from the discharged sheet reception tray, it is possible to easily take the sheet from the discharged sheet reception tray by picking up the leading edge of the sheet.